Dubai, Jan 11 (NationPress) A day before their inaugural match in the third season of the ILT20, the Gulf Giants, recognized as one of the league's most accomplished teams, are feeling confident about their prospects this season.
The Gulf Giants will kick off their journey against the Sharjah Warriors in the third match on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Owned by Adani Sportsline, the franchise is preparing for another thrilling season. Having secured the championship in the inaugural season and reached the playoffs in the second, the groundwork is laid for the Gulf Giants to reclaim their title this year.
The successful duo of Andy Flower as head coach and James Vince as captain will continue to lead a robust lineup that features both local and international talents, including noteworthy additions like Tim David, Tom Curran, and Tymal Mills.
The team also showcases local stars such as Aayan Khan and Zuhaib Zubair, along with newcomers Saghir Khan and Uzair Khan, who were part of the Gulf Giants team that triumphed in the ILT20 Development League last October.
Aayan Khan, who took six wickets at an economy rate of 6.83 last season, is crucial to the Gulf Giants bowling unit. Another promising domestic player, Zubair, is anticipated to excel after his commendable performances last season, proving to be a reliable bowling option.
The left-handed middle-order batter Saghir, who amassed 193 runs in six matches at an impressive strike rate of 235, along with Uzair Khan, a left-arm medium-pacer who claimed 15 wickets in six matches with an economy of 5.4, are the domestic talents to keep an eye on in Season 3.
Captain Vince, who leads the league with 795 runs in 23 matches, is a pivotal figure in the Gulf Giants batting lineup. He will be backed by a formidable batting ensemble that includes Ibrahim Zadran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Jordan Cox.
New addition Adam Lyth brings extensive experience with 4771 runs in 206 T20 matches. Australian powerhouse Tim David adds a dependable finishing option with a strike rate exceeding 160 in T20s, while top-order batter Zadran from Afghanistan offers stability at the crease.
Leading the bowling attack is Chris Jordan, the league's top wicket-taker with 31 wickets in 21 matches, alongside fellow England international Tymal Mills, who has 286 wickets in 231 T20 matches.
All-rounders Tom Curran, Rehan Ahmed, and Dominic Drakes are expected to contribute across various aspects, providing substantial batting depth in the lower order. Furthermore, pacers Mark Adair and Blessing Muzarabani enhance the versatility of the bowling unit.
As the new season approaches, head coach Andy Flower expressed, "We’re eager to commence another season with this exceptionally talented squad. We have successfully assembled a strong core, blending international and domestic players to add depth and firepower to our team. Our strategies are set, and we intend to progress step-by-step throughout the season to achieve our goals. We anticipate another fiercely competitive season."
Pranav Adani, Managing Director - Agro, Oil & Gas, Adani Group, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.
"As the Gulf Giants prepare for another exhilarating season, we take pride in the team's journey and the values it embodies. Our dedication to nurturing talent and promoting excellence through Gulf Giants is steadfast, reflected in the new signings we've made this season. With a strengthened squad, we believe in the potential of our players, both seasoned and emerging, to bring glory to the team and inspire our fans. We look forward to an engaging and successful campaign in ILT20 Season 3," he stated.
The Gulf Giants are poised to carry momentum into their season opener against the Sharjah Warriorz on Sunday. As the champions of the inaugural season, they secured victories in both encounters against the Sharjah Warriorz last season and aim to maintain their dominance over their rivals as they embark on their journey with a win.
